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Online MA in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
Counseling Specialization

Help your clients achieve a healthier state of mind.

At Our Lady of the Lake University, we know the role of mental health counselor is a vocational calling. That’s why we prepare you to both lead the industry and effectively serve your clients. Learn to support folks of all ages and backgrounds as they confront mental health challenges and improve their lives.

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  • Duration 3.5 years
  • Cost per Credit $925
  • Credit Hours 60

Program Benefits

Prepare for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Exam with a program designed according to CACREP standards

Promote Mental Health in a Variety of Clinical Settings

In the Clinical Health Counseling specialization for our online MA in Counseling, you’ll be mentored by experienced leaders in counseling, many of whom are still active in the field.

Gain the real-world experience you need to pursue licensure and practice in your state with pre-practicum fieldwork in your area. Graduate prepared to work with groups or individuals in addressing issues such as chemical dependency, mental and behavioral disorders, and career development.

Career Outlook: Meet the Rising Need

Counselors in the areas of mental health, substance abuse and behavioral disorders can expect 22-percent career growth between 2018 and 2028.1 The top 10 percent of counselors with this focus earn an annual median salary of $72,990.1

When you complete this specialization, you will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including public and private clinics, rehabilitation facilities and government agencies that support social services.

You will also be eligible to sit for the National Counselor’s Examination and the Texas Jurisprudence Examination and apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. If you live outside of Texas, be sure to review licensure requirements for your state.*

CAREERS IN COUNSELING

Curriculum: Foundational Theory Meets Hands-On Practice

Build a working familiarity with counseling roles and settings, etiology, nomenclature and service delivery modalities. Understand theory, principles, models and documentation formats. Plus, master the day-to-day realities of mental health practice, including intake interviews, evaluations, caseload management and assessment of treatment.

Online classwork is mostly asynchronous, allowing you to complete your studies on a schedule that best suits your life. As a program designed according to 2016 Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards, you’ll receive an education that meets the highest standards for the counseling profession.

Course Spotlight: COUN 8317 Interventions with Abnormal Behaviors

Review mental health service delivery modalities within the continuum of care and explore evidence-based strategies and interventions, including psychopharmacological approaches indicated in the treatment of mental disorders.

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Course Spotlight: COUN 8370 Couple and Family Counseling

Explore theoretical foundations and skill development for counseling couples and families while providing key concepts, techniques, strengths-based approaches, therapeutic process, and consultation skills with families and parents.

Available Specializations

Focus your counseling degree on the area you’re passionate about with one of three specializations.

Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC): School Counseling Specialization

Prepare to help students overcome challenges to meet their potential and find success.

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Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC): Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Specialization

Put your passion to work and learn to help people overcome the complications of disability with holistic care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 855-275-1082.

If you take two courses every 14 weeks, you can complete:
  • the School Counseling concentration in 2.5 years
  • the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentrations in 3–3.5 years.

Total tuition estimates are as follows and do not include the cost of books and fees:

  • School Counseling specialization, $44,400
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling specializations, $55,500

Our curriculum is designed according to the 2016 Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Standards.

Yes. You can choose from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, and School Counseling specializations.

The program requires 600 hours of internship experience and 100 hours of practicum experience for all specializations.

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*Students outside of Texas are responsible for knowing their specific state requirements for LPC licensure.

NOTE: Applicants seeking licensure are encouraged to review all applicable eligibility requirements related to the respective occupational license per the Texas occupations code HB 1508.

Sources:

1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019 September 4). Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved October 29, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm.